Left 4 Dead meets Heat in Payday: The Heist

If Left 4 Dead was set in a Michael Mann film, it would probably look like …

The $15 downloadable title Payday: The Heist on the PS3 and PC lets you be a bad guy without any of the consequences. It's a Left 4 Dead-style four player cooperative FPS, only instead of fighting of waves of zombies in order to survive, you're fighting off waves of cops and guards in order to rob a bank or rip off some drug dealers. You're doing bad things, but because of the relative lack of context—there are six unconnected missions as opposed to one overarching story—it's more of a thrill than it is a guilt trip.

As far as shooters go, Payday is pretty average. It looks OK, there's a decent amount of weaponry to choose from (once you unlock additional guns, that is), and the actual shooting manages to get the job done with a minimum of fuss. The weapons don't have a whole lot of kick, but they're certainly adequate.

What makes the game worth a look, though, is the missions. Payday is essentially a collection of heist movie cliches that you get to be a part of, along with three buddies (or AI controlled bots). The first mission, for instance, involves robbing a bank and getting out alive, while later on you'll be rescuing prisoners and chasing down fellow criminals who double crossed you. There's only six missions in all, but there's a nice amount of variety to them.

Each mission is a multistep process as you have to complete a number of smaller goals while attempting to reach your main one. Robbing the bank, for example, involves first finding the bank manager, collecting a hidden stash of explosives, erasing security footage, and finally getting into the vault. Many of these smaller goals involve waiting—you'll have to go up to something and hold a button until a meter fills up all the way. You can't do anything while holding down the button, which makes you quite vulnerable. All the while cops, drug dealers, and security guards will come at you in waves, leading to intense and large-scale firefights on a regular basis.

Payday: The Heist

This is, of course, where the teamwork comes into play. You'll need to provide cover for your partners in crime, and you can revive one another when you sustain too much damage. It's not particularly complex teamwork, but it is safer to stick together. One crook against dozens of cops likely won't last too long. Surprisingly, even though Payday is a multiplayer game at heart, it works well enough as a single-player experience. Your AI partners simply stick near you and provide lots of cover so that you can handle all of the various objectives yourself.

If you plan on playing a lot you'll definitely want some friends to join you. Payday is repetitive by nature, with only a few maps that you play over and over, trying to unlock new content and tackle missions at harder difficulty settings. This becomes much more tolerable when you have some like-minded criminals playing alongside you.

As Kane & Lynch has shown us, playing as a career criminal has its drawbacks. It's hard to sympathize with someone like that. But that's not an issue in Payday. Instead, you simply get to experience the thrill of the heist. Neither the gameplay nor the setting are all that original, but Payday can still be a lot of fun.

Payday: The Heist is available on both PC and the PlayStation Network. We played the PS3 version.

30 Reader Comments

I downloaded the demo for PS3 and the first thing I noticed was just how inaccurate sighting my rifle was. I consider myself a decent FPS player (although I prefer RPG's) and am also ex-active duty military so I can hold my own with a weapon.

Aiming with the controller is just horrible. Maybe I'm just conditioned to 14 years of aiming with a mouse that I can stand a controller. I also noticed what I saw as an attempt at fixing the inaccuracy of aiming by having enemies just outside my UI reticle actually being hit when I knew the shot was off.

Console FPS garbage aiming aside, it could be a fun game for the right kind of people.

Any comment on why this was reviewed on PS3 when it was available on PC/steam as well? I thought Ars was being more PC-centric these days (when not a console exclusive or a much later release on PC). Not trying to nitpick consoles, just curious. Most of the time when its the console version being reviewed it's one of the those 2 previous (and logical) reasons.

P0thead wrote:

I downloaded the demo for PS3 and the first thing I noticed was just how inaccurate sighting my rifle was. I consider myself a decent FPS player (although I prefer RPG's) and am also ex-active duty military so I can hold my own with a weapon.

Aiming with the controller is just horrible. Maybe I'm just conditioned to 14 years of aiming with a mouse that I can stand a controller. I also noticed what I saw as an attempt at fixing the inaccuracy of aiming by having enemies just outside my UI reticle actually being hit when I knew the shot was off.

Can anyone comment on the PC version? Is this a console thing, or just typical of this game?

On the game itself, this sounds semi-interesting. Type of game I wouldn't buy offhand but might pick up as a 4-pack on steam if it ever goes on sale. Probly get at least a gaming session or two out of it with friends.

This is hands-down the best $15 (PS+) game I've ever purchased. The aiming is a BIT sticky and difficult, and at low levels your accuracy leaves something to be desired, but that is intentional as you unlocked improved accuracy as you progress in levels. The AI is horrendous, like, REALLY horrendous. But playing with friends or online is one of the most enjoyable experiences I've ever had with a video game. VERY fun. Feels very Counterstrike in its delivery.

I remember hearing about a similar game a while back where the point was to survive and get out with the cash, and if you died you became a cop. However, if your teammates betrayed you, they got a bigger cut, giving them incentive to turn on you before the end of the match, but not too early so you didn't just come back as a cop and waste them. What game was that?

Any comment on why this was reviewed on PS3 when it was available on PC/steam as well? I thought Ars was being more PC-centric these days (when not a console exclusive or a much later release on PC). Not trying to nitpick consoles, just curious. Most of the time when its the console version being reviewed it's one of the those 2 previous (and logical) reasons.

P0thead wrote:

I downloaded the demo for PS3 and the first thing I noticed was just how inaccurate sighting my rifle was. I consider myself a decent FPS player (although I prefer RPG's) and am also ex-active duty military so I can hold my own with a weapon.

Aiming with the controller is just horrible. Maybe I'm just conditioned to 14 years of aiming with a mouse that I can stand a controller. I also noticed what I saw as an attempt at fixing the inaccuracy of aiming by having enemies just outside my UI reticle actually being hit when I knew the shot was off.

Can anyone comment on the PC version? Is this a console thing, or just typical of this game?

On the game itself, this sounds semi-interesting. Type of game I wouldn't buy offhand but might pick up as a 4-pack on steam if it ever goes on sale. Probly get at least a gaming session or two out of it with friends.

I believe his issue is actually what level he was playing as. The controls are indeed a bit stiff, they aren't perfect and lining up for a headshot can be a bit of a task at times. Hitting enemies outside your reticle though is actually because low-level players have poor accuracy and the rifle you use is fully auto with kickback and spread. The stiffness is likely lessened with mouse control but it's truly not an issue.

(PC) This game is loads of unpredictable fun with just the right amount of order to keep each mission cohesive. It bestows a generous hint of that feeling of breaking the law, without any real risk (until the alphabet agencies start putting players on lists, that is.) The game mechanics feel good, the graphics are decent, and most importantly, it's *fun*.

My only minor complaint is the seeming lack of any kind of rulebook or tutorial explaining the scope of the game. (Oh, I level up and unlock equipment that way? K, cool.)

(PC) This game is loads of unpredictable fun with just the right amount of order to keep each mission cohesive. It bestows a generous hint of that feeling of breaking the law, without any real risk (until the alphabet agencies start putting players on lists, that is.) The game mechanics feel good, the graphics are decent, and most importantly, it's *fun*.

My only minor complaint is the seeming lack of any kind of rulebook or tutorial explaining the scope of the game. (Oh, I level up and unlock equipment that way? K, cool.)

I agree completely. It's even worse on the PS3, because you have to hold select and use X/O/Square to select which class you'll invest in. Not only do they not tell you this screen exists, but by the time you realize it by pure coincidence, you've likely already invested several levels in a class you may not have intended to.

but by the time you realize it by pure coincidence, you've likely already invested several levels in a class you may not have intended to.

Except they're not classes, so it doesn't matter. The upgrade paths are just that- upgrades. What you earn in any path you can mix and match with anything else you've earned, while in the lobby.

Steam version is $20 for a single copy, or a 4 pack at $60, $15 each. I've played it about 10 hours since it was released and it is quite fun and frenetic. There are issues though- it's all p2p netplay, and Push-to-talk instead of always-on voice chat is still waiting to be patched in.

For some reason, the PSN version has been getting lower review scores than the Steam version. I've heard about issues with mouselag on lower-end PCs, especially laptops. First patch was out two days ago, dealt with certain USB devices causing crashes.

Do the missions all turn out the same way each time, or is it possible to get further before the poop hits the fan or something like that?

I've seen the missions props play out slightly differently, but it appears simple scripting branches. For example, in the second mission sometimes cops will park at the end of the alley where you start and other times they'll blow past you chasing after the van.

Of course, the enemies all react dynamically and use cover which means each playthrough will be slightly different.

Any comment on why this was reviewed on PS3 when it was available on PC/steam as well? I thought Ars was being more PC-centric these days (when not a console exclusive or a much later release on PC). Not trying to nitpick consoles, just curious. Most of the time when its the console version being reviewed it's one of the those 2 previous (and logical) reasons.

P0thead wrote:

I downloaded the demo for PS3 and the first thing I noticed was just how inaccurate sighting my rifle was. I consider myself a decent FPS player (although I prefer RPG's) and am also ex-active duty military so I can hold my own with a weapon.

Aiming with the controller is just horrible. Maybe I'm just conditioned to 14 years of aiming with a mouse that I can stand a controller. I also noticed what I saw as an attempt at fixing the inaccuracy of aiming by having enemies just outside my UI reticle actually being hit when I knew the shot was off.

Can anyone comment on the PC version? Is this a console thing, or just typical of this game?

On the game itself, this sounds semi-interesting. Type of game I wouldn't buy offhand but might pick up as a 4-pack on steam if it ever goes on sale. Probly get at least a gaming session or two out of it with friends.

I believe his issue is actually what level he was playing as. The controls are indeed a bit stiff, they aren't perfect and lining up for a headshot can be a bit of a task at times. Hitting enemies outside your reticle though is actually because low-level players have poor accuracy and the rifle you use is fully auto with kickback and spread. The stiffness is likely lessened with mouse control but it's truly not an issue.

Yes, by all means, listen to the 23 year old video game prodigy about rifle behavior. Pay no attention to the man who earned a small arms marksman award from the Department of Defense or whom spent multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Any comment on why this was reviewed on PS3 when it was available on PC/steam as well? I thought Ars was being more PC-centric these days (when not a console exclusive or a much later release on PC). Not trying to nitpick consoles, just curious. Most of the time when its the console version being reviewed it's one of the those 2 previous (and logical) reasons.

P0thead wrote:

I downloaded the demo for PS3 and the first thing I noticed was just how inaccurate sighting my rifle was. I consider myself a decent FPS player (although I prefer RPG's) and am also ex-active duty military so I can hold my own with a weapon.

Aiming with the controller is just horrible. Maybe I'm just conditioned to 14 years of aiming with a mouse that I can stand a controller. I also noticed what I saw as an attempt at fixing the inaccuracy of aiming by having enemies just outside my UI reticle actually being hit when I knew the shot was off.

Can anyone comment on the PC version? Is this a console thing, or just typical of this game?

On the game itself, this sounds semi-interesting. Type of game I wouldn't buy offhand but might pick up as a 4-pack on steam if it ever goes on sale. Probly get at least a gaming session or two out of it with friends.

I believe his issue is actually what level he was playing as. The controls are indeed a bit stiff, they aren't perfect and lining up for a headshot can be a bit of a task at times. Hitting enemies outside your reticle though is actually because low-level players have poor accuracy and the rifle you use is fully auto with kickback and spread. The stiffness is likely lessened with mouse control but it's truly not an issue.

Yes, by all means, listen to the 23 year old video game prodigy about rifle behavior. Pay no attention to the man who earned a small arms marksman award from the Department of Defense or whom spent multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The accuracy and perceived accuracy on the PS3 is poor.

I wasn't saying YOU have poor accuracy, I'm implying that a low-level character hasn't acquired the perks that improve your accuracy. Don't take things so personally. It's a video game. Despite this being the internet I'm not here to attack your pride.

Any comment on why this was reviewed on PS3 when it was available on PC/steam as well? I thought Ars was being more PC-centric these days (when not a console exclusive or a much later release on PC). Not trying to nitpick consoles, just curious. Most of the time when its the console version being reviewed it's one of the those 2 previous (and logical) reasons.

P0thead wrote:

I downloaded the demo for PS3 and the first thing I noticed was just how inaccurate sighting my rifle was. I consider myself a decent FPS player (although I prefer RPG's) and am also ex-active duty military so I can hold my own with a weapon.

Aiming with the controller is just horrible. Maybe I'm just conditioned to 14 years of aiming with a mouse that I can stand a controller. I also noticed what I saw as an attempt at fixing the inaccuracy of aiming by having enemies just outside my UI reticle actually being hit when I knew the shot was off.

Can anyone comment on the PC version? Is this a console thing, or just typical of this game?

On the game itself, this sounds semi-interesting. Type of game I wouldn't buy offhand but might pick up as a 4-pack on steam if it ever goes on sale. Probly get at least a gaming session or two out of it with friends.

I believe his issue is actually what level he was playing as. The controls are indeed a bit stiff, they aren't perfect and lining up for a headshot can be a bit of a task at times. Hitting enemies outside your reticle though is actually because low-level players have poor accuracy and the rifle you use is fully auto with kickback and spread. The stiffness is likely lessened with mouse control but it's truly not an issue.

Yes, by all means, listen to the 23 year old video game prodigy about rifle behavior. Pay no attention to the man who earned a small arms marksman award from the Department of Defense or whom spent multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The accuracy and perceived accuracy on the PS3 is poor.

I wasn't saying YOU have poor accuracy, I'm implying that a low-level character hasn't acquired the perks that improve your accuracy. Don't take things so personally. It's a video game. Despite this being the internet I'm not here to attack your pride.

Well now that I understand what you're implying I can agree with you. ;)

What I find rather funny about the game is that YOU (as criminals who seems to regularly wipe out entire precint and a half per heist) seem to be penalized for killing civilians while the cops have absolutely no qualm at shooting through a frenzy of witless civilians running around like headless chickens.

That said, I've played with 2 players so far and I do enjoy the game.

EDIT: I play PC version. Controls aren't "stiff" per say but at no accuracy upgrade, the guns are wildly inaccurate. Best advice for low level is go for short burst fire while crouching using iron sight.

Any comment on why this was reviewed on PS3 when it was available on PC/steam as well? I thought Ars was being more PC-centric these days (when not a console exclusive or a much later release on PC). Not trying to nitpick consoles, just curious. Most of the time when its the console version being reviewed it's one of the those 2 previous (and logical) reasons.

P0thead wrote:

I downloaded the demo for PS3 and the first thing I noticed was just how inaccurate sighting my rifle was. I consider myself a decent FPS player (although I prefer RPG's) and am also ex-active duty military so I can hold my own with a weapon.

Aiming with the controller is just horrible. Maybe I'm just conditioned to 14 years of aiming with a mouse that I can stand a controller. I also noticed what I saw as an attempt at fixing the inaccuracy of aiming by having enemies just outside my UI reticle actually being hit when I knew the shot was off.

Can anyone comment on the PC version? Is this a console thing, or just typical of this game?

On the game itself, this sounds semi-interesting. Type of game I wouldn't buy offhand but might pick up as a 4-pack on steam if it ever goes on sale. Probly get at least a gaming session or two out of it with friends.

I believe his issue is actually what level he was playing as. The controls are indeed a bit stiff, they aren't perfect and lining up for a headshot can be a bit of a task at times. Hitting enemies outside your reticle though is actually because low-level players have poor accuracy and the rifle you use is fully auto with kickback and spread. The stiffness is likely lessened with mouse control but it's truly not an issue.

Yes, by all means, listen to the 23 year old video game prodigy about rifle behavior. Pay no attention to the man who earned a small arms marksman award from the Department of Defense or whom spent multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The accuracy and perceived accuracy on the PS3 is poor.

Yes, because if anything means anything in video games it's people shooting real guns.

Looks interesting, but probably going to skip solely on the grounds that I've got Battlefield 3 to fill my current FPS niche (and fill it does). Releasing this (for PC at least) so close to one of the "big two" AAA games of the genre this season was a big dumb-dumb move, even if the title is competitively priced.